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Vocalese: meaning, definitions and examples

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vocalese

[ ˈvəʊkəliːz ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

musical style

Vocalese is a style of jazz singing in which words are added to instrumental compositions and songs, often using vocables and nonsensical syllables. It is characterized by intricate, fast-paced vocal improvisations that mimic the sounds of instruments. Vocalese requires a high level of technical skill and creativity from the vocalist.

Synonyms

vocal improvisation, wordless singing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
vocalese	Used in jazz music to describe a style where lyrics are added to existing instrumental solos. This technique often requires advanced vocal skills and is popular among jazz enthusiasts. The singer amazed the audience with her vocalese during the jazz festival. He is known for his talent in turning complex saxophone solos into engaging vocalese.
vocal improvisation	Refers to the spontaneous creation of melodies and rhythms with the voice, often in jazz, blues, or other improvisational music genres. It is less structured than vocalese and does not necessarily involve lyrics. Her vocal improvisation during the concert was nothing short of breathtaking. Vocal improvisation allows singers to express their creativity in real-time.
wordless singing	Describes singing without using any lyrics, focusing on melodies and vocal sounds. This can be found in various music styles, including classical, pop, and folk. The haunting beauty of her wordless singing captivated everyone in the room. Wordless singing can evoke deep emotions without the need for words.

Word

Description / Examples

vocalese

Used in jazz music to describe a style where lyrics are added to existing instrumental solos. This technique often requires advanced vocal skills and is popular among jazz enthusiasts.

The singer amazed the audience with her vocalese during the jazz festival.
He is known for his talent in turning complex saxophone solos into engaging vocalese.

vocal improvisation

Refers to the spontaneous creation of melodies and rhythms with the voice, often in jazz, blues, or other improvisational music genres. It is less structured than vocalese and does not necessarily involve lyrics.

Her vocal improvisation during the concert was nothing short of breathtaking.
Vocal improvisation allows singers to express their creativity in real-time.

wordless singing

Describes singing without using any lyrics, focusing on melodies and vocal sounds. This can be found in various music styles, including classical, pop, and folk.

The haunting beauty of her wordless singing captivated everyone in the room.
Wordless singing can evoke deep emotions without the need for words.

Examples of usage

The singer amazed the audience with her virtuosic vocalese performance.
In vocalese, the voice becomes an instrument in its own right.

Translations

Translations of the word "vocalese" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vocalese

🇮🇳 वोकलीज़

🇩🇪 Vocalese

🇮🇩 vocalese

🇺🇦 вокаліз

🇵🇱 vocalese

🇯🇵 ヴォーカリーズ (Vōkārīzu)

🇫🇷 vocalese

🇪🇸 vocalese

🇹🇷 vokaliz

🇰🇷 보컬리즈 (bokeollijeu)

🇸🇦 فوكاليز

🇨🇿 vocalese

🇸🇰 vocalese

🇨🇳 声乐 (shēngyuè)

🇸🇮 vokalize

🇮🇸 vocalese

🇰🇿 вокализ

🇬🇪 ვოკალიზი (vokalizi)

🇦🇿 vocalese

🇲🇽 vocalese

Etymology

The term 'vocalese' originated in the 1950s as a combination of 'vocal' and 'scat', referring to the style of jazz singing that incorporates lyrics into instrumental jazz solos. Artists like Eddie Jefferson and Jon Hendricks popularized the vocalese style, which continues to be an innovative and challenging form of vocal jazz performance.